Photo of: Metis Nation Ground Breaking Ceremony for new development Hub in Regina
Photo by: Danielle Dufour
Métis citizens and other community members in Regina will soon have a new place to connect with programs, services and support. On Wednesday the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) had a ceremony and officially broke ground for a new Early Learning and Child Care Centre.
Partnering with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the MN–S government is constructing a three-acre lot in Regina’s Westerra neighbourhood for the future site of the MN–S service hub. The property will include an Early Learning and Child Care Centre (ELCC), a Ma Faamii service centre and a 16-suite transitional housing unit.
Ma Faamii means “My Family” in Michif.
“As an educator, I know the importance of the first day of school, it represents new beginnings,” said MN–S Western Region Three Regional Director, Veterans Minister Wendy Gervais. “Today, we are celebrating another new beginning. It’s about creating a sense of belonging. Our Métis children deserve to grow up, knowing who they are, where they come from and to know and feel and see that their culture and heritage really do matter. That is what we call nation building.”
This new MN-S development hub follows the opening of operations in Saskatoon and North Battleford.
Gervais said they are hopeful the Regina MN-S hub project will be completed within 18 to 24 months.
Karri Kempf Executive Director of Early Years at the Ministry of Education, who attended the ceremony, spoke of their partnership and said, “I thank the MN-S for their vision and for making room for child care spaces in the province. It’s good for all children and families, respecting their language, their culture, their identity and any diverse needs that they might have.”
MN–S President Glen McCallum said, “Over the last nine years, our government has been identifying gaps in community services and addressing them accordingly. The Regina project helps connect our citizens to government programs and services. This is your government in action and what Métis self-government is about.”
The project received $4.5 million in funding through the federal Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative (ISTHI) and will provide 16 units for Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals fleeing domestic violence.
“Communities across Saskatchewan know their needs best. We have been proud to partner with MN-S to build these new transitional homes for members of the community so they can have culturally appropriate housing close to family, community, and supports. By working with our partners, we are helping build stronger communities.” – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.